NRL warns clubs over trainers misusing injury delays ahead of finals

The NRL is worried play is being stopped for the wrong reasons during matches and has sounded a warning to this year’s finalists.

Club trainers are permitted to request that referees delay matches over concerns a player has suffered a serious injury.

However Head of Football Graham Annesley told media the NRL is concerned with recent examples of referees being asked to stop games over potential injuries to players that he says have yet to have been examined.

Annesley declared clubs could be hit with breach notices if they are found to have not followed protocol.